Read: James 4:11-12

Whenever we use "should" or "shouldn't" in a sentence directed at ourselves or someone else, we are expressing a judgment. We are saying there is a "right" way to do something, and we know exactly what that is.

James says loving God's way means we do not tear down someone by saying untrue things about them, or by standing in judgment of them.

Only God gets to judge. And God gives us his standards so we can live them out, not to use them to beat others down for their faiures. Therefore, James says being judgmental is a double failure - we fail to use God's teaching properly, and we fail to honour God is the one who gets to judge.

Write
Think about your faith story: how have you been hurt by the judgments of others? How have you hurt others with your judgments?

In what areas are you most judgmental? What do you tend to judge others about?

In what relationships are you most judgmental? How are these relationships suffering for this dynamic?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your experience with juging and being judged. How does it feel to recall these experiences?

Talk to God about the people and situations that trigger judgment. Ask God for the resource to suspend judgment and the insight to be compassionate.

Tell God about the relationships and people who are being hurt by your judgments. Ask God to show you how to repair them.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as God forgives you and draws near to you, and frees you to love more generously.